Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies, Inc
Youth | Fisheries | Research
Okauchee Lake
Okauchee Lake is a 1210 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 90 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Pewaukee Lake
Pewaukee Lake is a 2437 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from public boat landings. Fish include Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
Lac La Belle
Lac La Belle is a 1154 acre lake located in Waukesha County. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet. Visitors have access to the lake from a public boat landing. Fish include Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye. The lake’s water is moderately clear.
2020 Chapter Updates
Lac Labelle Study
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- We partnered with MCW and the DNR on a project concerning tagging muskies in Labelle. Between the two clubs, we purchased 12 transmitters to be surgically implanted into muskies that will be roaming Labelle. It is possible that a fish or two will be put into Oconomowoc as well, but that isn’t known yet.
- The goal of the study is to understand the migratory movements of muskies in Labelle. We’ve invested a lot of money into stocking Labelle (MCW and MCMI) and we wish to see if they are leaving. And if so, do they come back.
- Our DNR biologist, Ben, is going to be working with us on this process and study. Our hope is that this study helps him improve the dam on Labelle and ultimately helps him stock the lake in the future.
Our hope is that this update finds you and your family happy and healthy during this trying time. We encourage you to fish within your community and hope to see you out there!
Big Brothers Big Sisters 2021
Saturday, June 19, members of Milwaukee Muskies Inc volunteered their time to host Big Brothers Big Sisters of Milwaukee to a panfishing event on Pewaukee Lake. 4 pontoons took Littles and their Bigs out for a morning full of fish and time on the water. Many fish were caught, and many memories were made.
Everyone came back to the launch to enjoy a lunch sponsored by Milwaukee Muskies Inc which included an ice cream desert bar! Every child who participated went home with a rod and reel that will hopefully be well broken in by the time the next fishing event rolls around.
2021 Spring and Fall Stocking
In April 2021 we relased 150 muskies. 100 into Pewaukee Lake and 50 into Okauchee Lake. In October 2021, the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc successfully released 250 Leech Lake strain muskies into Pewaukee Lake. All of this couldn’t have been done without the help of the members of Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc and the donations given to help this effort. Thanks to all who helped stock the muskies throughout the lake. We hope this program will help increase the diversity of fish in Pewaukee and we’re excited to see some big Leech Lake strain muskies caught in the future!
2021 Women’s Tournament
A fantastic time was had by all at the women’s tournament this year! Even though mother nature did her best to try and ruin the weekend with rain and no fish being caught, everyone still left with smiles on their faces. A big thank you to all who participated in the event. It was great to see all the familiar faces and some new faces too! A big thank you is extended to Jen and Geoff Verges for putting on this amazing tournament for the past three years 🙂
2021 Pewaukee Classic
2021 Pewaukee Classic!!!
The Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. would like to extend a big thank you to all who helped make the 2021 Pewaukee Classic an amazing event! Only 3 fish over 34 inches were caught and a lot of smaller fish as well. The rain held off until everyone was off the water and great times were had by all at the after party.
2019 Veterans Outing
Today was a special day in the life of your Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. We were honored to be able to take 17 local Veteran’s musky fishing on Pewaukee lake, on our 10th annual outing for them!
The day, we could not have asked for better weather, started out with our vets and captains meeting at Smokey’s for coffee, snacks and final registration. Introductions and pairings were announced as each boat eased out into the sun rise.
As the teams returned to share their adventures of the day and tell stories; the smiles and laughter is why we do what we do. The crew was treated to lunch, another wonderful cook-out by John. Each vet received a gift bag, full of goodies from our little angels Jo-Anne and Jean. Todd/Nick presented a patriotic TNA Dragon to each also!
Well, we do treat this as a “tournament” and yes we also provide our top 3 finishers with additional gifts!
1st Place:
Mike Grimm 38″, and 2 35 inchers! (with Captain Jim Dembiec)
2nd Place:
Joe Arvoy 36 1/4 incher (with Captain Bob Petzke) Cory McElhatton 28″ pike (with Captain Joel Walczak)
3rd Place:
Kerry Murry 20″ pike (with Captain Dave Mirek)
We have to thank;
- Our Vets – For all you do and have done, if not for you, we would not be doing this today! Thank You for your service! Over the years, we have had the honor of sharing the day with over 160 men and women of this great nation. We are eternally grateful to you.
- The Captains – You give of your time, resources and knowledge. You make this event happen! Thank You!
- Jo-Anne/Jean and your crew. We met a few years ago, the club and I are so blessed to have them run/sponsor the on-shore side of this outing! Thank you for all you do!
- Dave VanDoorn – Wow! For those of you that have the privilege of knowing this guy, you know just how truly special he is! We met a few years back and again, grateful is an understatement as to how blessed we are to have him and TAVF supporting and attending our event!! Thank YOU!
- TNA Tackle – Todd you do amazing work and we truly appreciate your support of our chapter and the musky world. Thank You!
- Smokey’s Musky Shop – Than You for You support and allow us the use of your place to hold this event. Everyone loves being on and by the water. Just a great venue and Rick goes above and beyond to help the crew getting setup. Thank You!
Begin able to give back is what this event and chapter is all about. Take time to thank a vet, shake their hand and who knows,,, you may just make a new friend along the way.
2018 Veterans Outing
On August 25th the Milwaukee Chapter of Muskies Inc. had the honor and privilege hosting our annual Veteran’s outing. We had 18 this year, along with 2 captains and our cook representing this great nation. We could not do, nor could we enjoy the freedom that we have; were it not for what they have done. Thank You for your service!
We had what looked to be a perfect day, the muskies just did not want to help us out. Honestly, it’s not about the fish, rather the time to enjoy the great outdoors, laugh a little and give thanks for what we have. Three local posts were able to join us this year, they were very helpful in getting the word out to those that wanted to attend. A great group and we even had a few women, awesome to see.
Jon was our winner with a 46 incher! Bob P. was his captain. This was Jon’s 1st musky and biggest fish ever. Yes, he was just a little excited, and we were all happy for him.
2nd place went to Mark with a 36.5 incher. Jackson was his captain. Another first and biggest. I, along with my two vets were able to watch this one, and there was a lot of excitement and congratulations going on!
3rd place went to Nick with a 32 inch pike. Brian M. was his captain. They have been fishing together a few years, and we know the banter that goes on in that boat… all good, that’s what it’s all about.
Prizes were given to each of them and all our Vets received gift bags. We also had a great lunch. JoAnne and her crew provided treats before we hit the water.
As I said, it is an honor to be able to do what we do, but, that does not just happen. A team of people work to make this a great event.
JoAnne Koshere – on-shore, lunch, awards, gifts, treats, snacks… We could not do this without all her efforts. Thank You! She is also supported by her family, Dennis, Sue, sister Jean and Scott.
Verdelle Schaefer, Volunteer, Bartender
John Bagley, Volunteer, Cook
All our captains, Thank You for doing what you do. I tell you, it is the easiest call I make, and appreciate your support! You are the heart of the event.
Additional sponsors: We appreciate your support and enjoy the smiles you provided.
Take A Vet Fishing – Dave VanDoorn. They provided a rod and reel to each Vet!!
Smokey’s – Loie, Ron, Sue for the venue, ice, parking… Always helpful to our crew.
Badger Sportsman – Free magazine to all Vets
MCMI – gift cards to all Vets
Palermo’s Pizza – Free pizza to all Vets
If you have the opportunity to visit any of these sponsors or see a veteran, tell them “Thank You”! They make this world a better place.
Womens Tournament
Thank you to all who responded regarding the Women’s Tournament! It looks like this is shaping up to be another fun event for our chapter. If you are interested in attending, please email me at vegas492@yahoo.com. If you have questions about the tournament, you can call me at 262 442 8496.
Here is a quick overview of the tournament. Again, this is a “Thank You!” to the many women who allow us to chase these fish as often as we do.
- Saturday, October 3, 2020
- Fishing on Pewaukee Lake
- Tournament hours are 8AM to 12 noon.
- Single person tournament, two ladies may fish in the same boat.
- The man is to be the “guide”. He is there to run the boat, tend to sucker lines, position the boat….etc. And…net the fish!
- Casting tournament, with two live bait lines allowed per boat.
- NO COST TO ENTER THE EVENT!
- There are Door Prizes for every one who enters and large prizes for the biggest fish caught. If not enough fish are caught, the large prizes will simply be raffled off.
- Scoring is done on length of fish.
